Influence XXI
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Discover CareersInfluence Precisely Defined
We define influence as the ability of people and organisations to shape the perceptions, emotions, opinions and actions of others — without resorting to coercion or power.
Company
About us
The Firm That Defined
Influence In Africa.
For 16 years, Newmark has operated at the intersection of communications, strategy, and culture building influence in environments where most firms don't survive.
50+
Global Markets
100+
Influence Experts
Earned the World's Highest PR Honour.
What We Stand For Three Principles
That Govern Every Mandate.
Intelligence Before Narrative
We do not pitch before we understand the environment a story lands in. Every mandate starts with field intelligence across formal and informal channels.
Principle 2 of 3: Intelligence Before Narrative
Our Story
16 Years. One North Star.
2008
Founded in Nairobi, Kenya by Gilbert Manirakiza
2012
First pan-African mandate operations across East & West Africa
2015
PRGN membership — 50+ global partner agencies
2019
Expanded to multilateral sector: WHO, World Bank, AfDB mandates
2023
IPRA Golden World Award — The world's highest PR honour
2026
WHS Regional Meeting — 3,000+ leaders, opened by the President of Kenya
Leadership
The Mind Behind The Framework.
Start a ConversationGilbert Manirakiza
President & CEO
Founder and author of the Neuro-Influence Framework™.
Gilbert has led influence campaigns across 50+ markets — from policy reform in Burundi to Fortune 500 brand strategy across sub-Saharan Africa.
“The word ‘influence’ is used loosely. We use it precisely — the ability to shape what audiences believe and do, without coercion.”
His work is grounded in the neuroscience of persuasion: what makes audiences actually shift belief, not just consume content. That framework — built over 16 years of high-stakes mandates — is now codified and applied across every Newmark engagement.
Under his leadership, Newmark won the IPRA Golden World Award in 2023 — the world's highest PR honour — and has become the reference firm for influence strategy across the African continent.
Global Reach
Local Intelligence. Global Standards
